A HUGE development of homes in Shaftesbury is moving closer to reality.

Persimmon Homes has told the Daily Echo that an application for full planning permission for 530 homes will be submitted within weeks. Just over 180 of the new homes are allocated to affordable housing.

Building work on homes from flats to family houses could start later this year, with properties arriving on the market by spring 2009.

Outline planning permission for the development was granted last year by a government inspector after a four-day public inquiry.

Proposals for a section 106 agreement, under which a developer can contribute to a town's infrastructure, will form part of the developer's application.

John Hammond, a team leader in the development control office at North Dorset District Council, told the Daily Echo contributions to schools, public transport, and recreation facilities would be negotiated with Persimmon.

Plans for the new estate contain six on-site play areas and contributions could also be made to children's outdoor facilities at Wincombe Lane, said Mr Hammond.

Money may be paid by the developer towards Shaftesbury School and towards the cost of a new primary school to be built in the town, he said.

A bus route from the new housing estate to Shaftesbury might also be funded by the developer, with the district council sourcing a local bus operator, said Mr Hammond.

The homes will be built on the eastern side of Shaftesbury, north of Salisbury Road, on a green field site near Cranborne Chase.

Richard Burden, the landscape adviser to the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, said he expected Persimmon to keep pledges made to the government inspector over the appearance of the new development.